Tuesday 25 October 2016 10:05, UK
Denver Broncos scored two quickfire touchdowns in the second quarter to beat the Houston Texans 27-9 at home. Kicker Nick Novak gave the visitors an early lead but touchdowns from C.J Anderson and Demaryius Thomas, and another from Devontae Booker gave Denver the win.
In 140 Characters...
Tough return for Osweiler who can't find end zone on return to Denver. Siemian outplays rival and Broncos running game does the rest.
MVP
C.J Anderson led the Denver running game, rushing for 107 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. The Broncos managed to move the ground ball on a night when the Texans were held back at every opportunity.
Game-changer
At the end of the second quarter, back-to-back touchdowns from the Broncos snatched the lead and stunned the Texans going into half-time. Anderson found a hole in the Texans' defence for a seven yard score, before the Broncos forced a three and out, and Thomas finished a 68 yard drive, handing Denver a 14-6 advantage at the break.
Stat of the night
131 - Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler had just 131 yards from 41 passing attempts, the second fewest in NFL history for a quarterback who had over 40 throws.
The game
It was a slow start for both quarterbacks, who struggled to find receivers and move the chains in the opening plays of the game, but the Texans opened the scoring, Nick Novak giving Houston the lead with two 43 yard field goals halfway through the first quarter.
However it was running back Anderson, a key component of the Denver attack this year, who scored the first touchdown of the night from seven yards to put the Broncos 7-6 up.
The home side extended their advantage on the next possession, Trevor Siemian finding Emmanuel Sanders for a 29 yard gain before firing to Thomas, who escaped coverage at the edge of the end zone and stooped low to secure the four yard score.
Houston added another field goal early in the third quarter but it was an uncomfortable showing from Osweiler on his first return to Mile High Stadium since leaving Denver for a lucrative contract offer in the summer. The Texans QB had just 46 passing yards in the first half and although his numbers grew significantly, much of this came when the game was beyond reach, and he had 0 throws for more than 15 yards, from seven attempts.
Devontae Booker scored his first career touchdown to extend the Broncos' advantage to 21-9, before Brandon McManus added last quarter field goals to wrap up the win and snap Denver's two game losing run and move them to 5-2, level at the top of the AFC West with the Oakland Raiders.
It was a positive return to the sideline for Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak, who missed the week six loss to San Diego after a health scare. This was the first time the Denver head coach had faced the Texans after he was fired in 2013 following a disappointing 2-11 campaign.
There was clear disappointment for Osweiler, who has struggled thus far this season, despite leading the Texans to an overtime victory against the Indianapolis Colts last week. Houston remain ahead in the AFC South with a 4-3, but look far from a competitive play-off candidate and face another touch match up against the Detroit Lions in week eight.
